Arcata City Councilman Brett Watson consented today to having his home searched for firearms that he can’t find.

At a hearing before visiting Judge Dale Reinholtsen, Arcata’s attorney Tom O’Connell told the judge Watson was ordered to turn in two firearms on Oct. 7. He didn’t comply until Oct. 21, “and then he turned in three.”

Watson.

Now Watson says he may have more guns in his residence, O’Connell said, which is causing concern for city staff members. Watson is accused of sexual harassment and is under a temporary restraining order, which he allegedly violated on Oct. 24 by cc’ing a staff member when sending an e-mail to a constituent. He was briefly arrested for that transgression and had to post bail.

The order prohibits Watson from contacting Mayor Stacy Atkins-Salazar, City Attorney Nancy Diamond and Assistant City Manager Danette Demello, along with the staffer who accused Watson of harassment.

Today’s hearing was to determine whether the restraining order should become permanent. The hearing was postponed until Dec. 12 after O’Connell said he would like Judge Timothy Canning to hear the case. Canning issued the temporary restraining order.

This afternoon several city staff members were in court and prepared to testify against Watson. O’Connell said he expects to present “five declarations and 35 exhibits” when the hearing is held, and his case should take about 90 minutes.

Watson’s attorney, Jay Jambeck, told the judge he was “ready to go” today, but he did not object to the continuance. He expects his defense case to last about an hour.

Outside of court, Watson said he remembered he had three antique pistols — family heirlooms — that he has reported stolen because he can’t find them.

As to the unexpected third gun he turned in on Oct. 21, that was a rifle he received when he was 10 years old, Watson said. He said he talked to the Arcata police chief back in May about the guns.

“I told him he was welcome to search my premises.”

Jambeck told the judge it’s difficult because Watson “has a lot of belongings.”

Watson, who is running for re-election to the council, said he has been “entirely open and forthcoming.”